Adriano's agent insists the player wants to stay at Roma, but Claudio Ranieri gave a clear warning. “If I'm not happy somewhere, then I walk away.”

The Brazilian arrived in the summer on a free transfer, but due to injury, poor form and visible weight issues, has barely set foot on the field.

It all prompted reports of dissatisfaction at the Olimpico and Ronaldo fuelled speculation he is looking for a return to Brazil in January.

“Why isn't Adriano playing? Because there are players at the club who are in better shape right now,” replied Ranieri in a Press conference.

“If I'm not happy somewhere, then I walk away. I always tell the lads that if they don't do things with love, then it's best they go. If Adriano wasn't in a team with many champions, he would always play.”

Adriano's agent tried to calm the storm ahead of this afternoon's Serie A match with Chievo.

“I speak almost every day with Adriano and he always says he wants to stay,” insisted Gilmar Rinaldi on Calciomercatoweb.it.

“It's true Ronaldo called him, but nobody from Corinthians has contacted me, nor from Flamengo or Palmeiras. Nobody has called me yet.”